Tunisia riots: William Hague calls for restraint

Foreign Secretary William Hague denounced the unrest, calling for "restraint from all sides".

The Foreign Secretary called for an orderly move towards free and fair elections and an immediate expansion of political freedoms in TunisiaPhoto: AP

10:49PM GMT 14 Jan 2011

"I condemn the violence and call on the Tunisian authorities to do all they can to resolve the situation peacefully," he said.

"I am calling for a rapid return to law and order, restraint from all sides, an orderly move towards free and fair elections and an immediate expansion of political freedoms in Tunisia.

"Our embassy in Tunis is providing help and assistance to the UK citizens affected. Britons worried about travel to Tunisia should check the FCO's travel advice, which is kept under constant review.

"Our advice to concerned British nationals is to follow developments closely and stay in touch with their tour operator. They should respect advice or instructions given by the local security authorities and tour operators and avoid rallies and demonstrations."

Meanwhile, Thomas Cook said all of its package holidaymakers would be back home by tomorrow.

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Group CEO Manny Fontenla-Novoa said: "As soon as we were made aware of the FCO changing its travel advice last night, we worked around the clock to put in place our rescue programme and we are happy to confirm the speedy return of all six of our rescue flights, which will have landed back safely in the UK by the end of today."

One more flight is scheduled to return to Tunisia's Monastir Airport tomorrow to bring back the remaining Thomas Cook tourists.

The company strongly advised holidaymakers to return on the flights on Friday and Saturday.

Its next departures for Tunisia were due to take place on Sunday but these have been cancelled.

Bosses are reviewing the situation for departures on Wednesday.

US President Barack Obama hailed the "courage" and "dignity" of the Tunisian people and called for free and fair elections in the country.

"I condemn and deplore the use of violence against citizens peacefully voicing their opinion in Tunisia," Mr Obama said in a statement.

"I urge all parties to maintain calm and avoid violence, and call on the Tunisian government to respect human rights, and to hold free and fair elections in the near future," he added.